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Businessman & Political Strategist
Jimi Richard Wanjigi (born 1 September 1962) is a Kenyan businessman, political strategist, and leader of the Safina Party. He is the son of former cabinet minister James Maina Wanjigi and attended St Mary’s School, Nairobi, before enrolling at York University, Canada, in 1982, though he left before completing his degree . Wanjigi began his career at his father’s company in Westlands before founding Tyl Limited, a procurement and telecommunications firm that secured several multimillion-shilling contracts . He later became the chief executive of the Kwacha Group of Companies, a family-owned conglomerate with investments spanning agri-business, financial services, industrial ventures, and real estate . Beyond business, Wanjigi built a reputation as a powerful political strategist. He played a central role in Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2013 presidential victory and was a key figure in Raila Odinga’s 2017 campaigns . In March 2022, he joined the Safina Party and declared his presidential ambitions. Despite his success, Wanjigi has faced legal scrutiny, including a high-profile firearms possession case that was temporarily halted in August 2024 .
Built Kwacha Group of Companies (family-owned) which invests across agribusiness, financial services, industrials, and real estate.
Founded Tyl Limited, a procurement and telecommunications firm that handled multimillion-shilling deals. (Early business venture)
Acted as key strategist in Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2013 campaign, helping shape alliances and funding that led to victory
Played a role in Raila Odinga’s 2017 campaigns, contributing strategy and resources.
Known for backing and mobilizing business interests behind political coalitions (e.g. Jubilee) to build electoral strength.
Sued a media house (Daily Nation) over a false obituary in 2018 and won damages (≈ Ksh 8 million).
Managed to be cleared / have charges dropped in some high-profile legal cases tied to his political involvement and accusations including firearms possession.
Early work with his father’s company in Westlands, Nairobi.
Founded Tyl Limited, a procurement and telecommunications firm which handled multimillion-shilling contracts.
Co-founded Bins Limited, claimed to be Kenya’s first private garbage collection company.
Became Chief Executive Officer of Kwacha Group of Companies (family-owned conglomerate). Business interests include agribusiness, industrials, financial services, real estate
Political strategist behind multiple major campaigns: Kenneth Matiba’s campaign (1992) during Kenya’s return to multi-party system
Shifted political affiliations: left ODM (Orange Democratic Movement), joined Safina Party and declared presidential bid (2022).
An obituary claiming he had died was published using his photo but the name “James Richard Wanjagi”
Wanjigi sued Nation Media Group for privacy violation, mental anguish, and risks to his family.
Arrested August 2024 after being accused of illegally possessing firearms.
A gun certificate (No. 9522) was revoked by Firearms Licensing Board but courts later quashed the revocation as unlawful.
Court issued orders restraining state agencies (DPP, DCI) from instituting charges or interfering with his firearms or accessories pending hearing
Police stormed his home searching for guns after he was reported to have supported Nadia/Super Alliance (NASA).
Accusations he was targeted by state actors via legal, regulatory, and media pressure as a result of his political involvement.
Attended St Mary’s School, Nairobi.
In 1982 he enrolled at York University (Canada) but he did not graduate
He submitted transcripts / letters indicating that he was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Security Management at Daystar, and that he had completed coursework.
